Heat Pumps and Electric Heating - Rheem problems
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ff276
01-28-09, 04:54 PM
I have a Rheem split unit, fairly old. Last night I got home and could hear the outdoor unit running but the fan wasn't turning and the bottom outside of the unit was frozen over. After pulling the breaker I pulled the fan unit out and the fan spun freely. Put it back and pulled the back cover to look for anything unordinary and didn't see anything except the diagram is gone andf the round cap has some oil around the bottom. Put power back to it and the fan came on but very slowly and after a minute or so it quit spinning(had resistance to it still, I tried spinning it with a stick) and then another bit and I got some steam so I assume the defrost is working or trying. I had a tech come out and he checked it and left a note about a 3uf/370v cap, and a fan motor. My question is which cap is this, I have a round one and an oval. Would they both be the same rating? Replace both? What is the second one for? The tech doesn't work on Rheem I want to replace the cap first and then the motor if that doesn't work. He was supposed to call so I could be there but didn't and his note he left wasn't very explanatory. Any help or other ideas greatly appreciated.
Jarredsdad
01-28-09, 08:21 PM
First if tech "doesn't work" on anything, don't call him back. Ain't a tech!
The cap with the oil at the bottom is the problem. I'll guess the 3uf oval one.
The other round 15/20/25 uf is for the comp.
Call a Rheem dealer and double check 3 is correct. Look at the fan data plate (on the motor itself) for a cap rating.
Change cap, $15 or so. Run emerg heat until repaired.
The cap with the oil at the bottom is the problem. I'll guess the 3uf oval one.
The other round 15/20/25 uf is for the comp.
Call a Rheem dealer and double check 3 is correct. Look at the fan data plate (on the motor itself) for a cap rating.
Change cap, $15 or so. Run emerg heat until repaired.
ff276
01-30-09, 06:36 AM
Thank you. I'll try the oval one. It happens to be the round cap with the oil but it almost looks as if it may be residual from something else. Either way a cap or 2 is easier then another 100 bucks and a cap or 2. Thanks